This fine little Jackson 20 gauge arrived today. I have wanted an English double 20 that was either neutral cast or cast on for my left handedness. This one has just a touch of cast on.

I was impressed with the gun from the pictures before I bought it. I’m even more so now that it’s in hand. At 5 pounds 4 ounces, it feels like a wand, if that term isn’t too over used.

I know there were a few Jacksons who built doubles. I’m not well enough versed in the British builders and less so in the lesser known ones. So I couldn’t say which Jackson built this one. It is sleeved and proofed for 2 3/4”. I am excited to get afield with it. I think I’ll shoot a couple rounds of skeet Thursday with it.

Any insights into the Jackson shotguns would be appreciated.

My list of British Gunsmiths and Gunmakers only has one Jackson.

He is Samuel Jackson, 7 & 8 Church Gate, Low Pavement, Nottingham.

This is in the very centre of the old city of Nottingham, not far from the Castle where the Sheriff of Nottingham lived whilst chasing Robin Hood.

Your Proof Marks are from Birmingham 40 miles away, which makes sense.

Good shooting!

HB

The gun was reproved when sleeved in 1983. J1B in a circle is the Birmingham date stamp for that year.

The original Proof Marks are Birmingham 1904 to 1925 but almost certainly before 1921 as it does not appear to bear their date stamp introduced that year.

Nigel Brown Volume 2 lists a number of Jacksons, but most are too early or too late.

The Nottingham Jackson, Samuel Jackson, trading up to 1912 seems likely.

The original top rib is often used when re-sleeving a gun. Does it bear any clue in the form of an initial or town?

I take the stamp along the bottom rib is to identify the importer into the United States.

I sold a little Jackson of Nottingham double 20 bore hammer gun to a friend. He wanted it because he had found a Jackson case. Next time I see him I'll either photograph the label or else see if he can get a photo and e-mail it to me. Lagopus.....

loverly little gon...

I took a look at the rib under better light. It says Jackson Maker Nottingham. Mine came with the case that you saw in the picture.

Samuel Jackson of Nottingham then, made between 1904 and 1912.

Historic Bore nailed it.

Let us know how it performs at Skeet?

Good Shooting!

Will do. I’m thoroughly impressed with its liveliness and lightness. It seems to have an understated elegance to it. At least in my humble opinion.

I like to look at case labels. You can learn a lot from them. Was there an original trade label for Jackson in the case?